Commentaries
Parents are vital to rebuilding the church
By raising their children in the faith, and by living it out themselves, parents can help to heal the wounded body of Christ, writes John Garvey. There's a lot riding on them right now.
Like good coaches, catechists help students encounter loving God for life
Catechetical Sunday, Sept. 16, celebrates the 5,000 volunteers who pass on the Catholic faith in parish religious education programs in the archdiocese. Ann Menna leads the effort, and points out an example of timely education.
Good and bad ideas emerging on church reform
Nobody said the solution to the clergy sexual abuse crisis would be easy, but some proposals from the right and the left (though partisan loyalties have no place in the body of Christ) would be ineffective, writes Richard Doerflinger.
It’s time to be saints so God can use us to transform the church
“The Borgia popes were worse! Pray, hope, and don’t ask questions!” Jessica Carney hears the platitudes, but suggests holiness is the best way to improve the church, and she offers 9 ways to up your spiritual game.
Sex abuse and the coming synod on young people
In the presynod document, young people wrote they are ready to lead. At the synod next month in Rome, the bishops should ask their young counterparts for some timely help, writes Elise Italiano.
From a summer of shame to a fall of leadership
This autumn the church has three opportunities for strong leadership, argues an editorial: investigate the Archbishop McCarrick scandal, open the USCCB meeting to the public and insist on new safeguarding structures.
Land of the Vikings reflects Catholic Europe’s past and future
For the past 500 years, Catholicism has made little impression on Sweden, now Lutheran and ardently secular. Despite small signs of change, Greg Erlandson wonders whether adversity will cause a rebirth of faith on the continent.
Helping a spouse to confront a drinking problem
A wife's increased use of wine to relax calls for loving intervention, write Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain. Letting her know how her drinking affects the family can begin the process of healing.
Sports, like religion, plays out human meaning and divine mystery
From baseball to football to golf, for sports fans in Philadelphia it's the best two months of the year, writes Father Tom Dailey. The games we play or watch can connect us to higher virtues, to each other and to God.
In church’s blistering summer, signs of a rebuilding church
We cannot lose sight of many signs of coming renewal, both among clergy and laity, rising even now from the ashes of an era that is ending, writes Father Eric Banecker.